On May 9, 2025, Fox Entertainment announced the greenlighting of a new comedy series titled Best Medicine, based on the beloved British series Doc Martin. This exciting adaptation is set to premiere during the 2025-26 television season and will star multiple Emmy Award-nominee Josh Charles in the lead role as the eccentric Dr. Martin Best.
Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "The story of Doc Martin has resonated worldwide with its humanity, originality, and humor, and with Best Medicine coming to Fox, that eccentricity gets a small-town America spin, complete with idyllic charm and absurdity." He praised the team behind the adaptation, including executive producers Liz Tuccillo, Ben Silverman, Rodney Ferrell, Mark Crowdy, and Philippa Braithwaite, for their efforts in bringing this character to a new audience.
The series follows the journey of Martin Best, a brilliant surgeon who abruptly leaves his successful career in Boston to become a general practitioner in a quaint East Coast fishing village where he spent his childhood summers. However, his blunt and often rude bedside manner does not sit well with the quirky and needy locals, leading to a quick alienation despite being their only medical resource.
Although Martin possesses the skills to address any medical ailment or mystery that arises in this idiosyncratic town, he is primarily desperate to maintain his solitude. Yet, he finds himself constantly pulled into the personal chaos, feuds, and fantasies of the townspeople. Unbeknownst to them, Martin's brusque demeanor conceals a debilitating new phobia and deep-seated psychological issues that hinder his ability to form genuine connections.
Josh Charles, best known for his roles as Will Gardner on The Good Wife and Dan Rydell on Sports Night, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His performances have earned him two Primetime Emmy Award nominations. In addition to his work on The Good Wife, Charles has appeared in various other productions, including The Handmaid's Tale, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and the film Dead Poets Society. Recently, he also made an appearance in Taylor Swift's music video for "Fortnight."
Executive producer Liz Tuccillo is known for her work on Sex and the City and Divorce, and she is excited about adapting the original series for a new audience. "The entire Propagate team is thrilled to be working with Fox Entertainment on this extraordinary adaptation of the global hit Doc Martin," said Silverman. "Josh Charles is the perfect lead for this brilliantly character-driven comedic procedural. Best Medicine is a world we'll all want to be part of."
The original Doc Martin series premiered on ITV in 2004 and ran for ten successful seasons, turning the picturesque seaside village of Port Isaac in Cornwall into a popular tourist destination. This new adaptation marks the seventh international version of the series, with previous adaptations launched in countries like France, Germany, and Spain.
Fox's Best Medicine joins the network's expanding roster of medical-themed shows, including the drama Doc, which was recently renewed for a second season with an impressive 22 episodes. The network has been keen to find a wholly owned drama hit to complement its existing lineup, which includes both live-action comedies and animated series.
As Fox Entertainment continues to evolve, Best Medicine stands out as a unique addition to their programming slate. The series promises to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling, offering viewers a fresh take on the classic medical procedural format.
With its combination of charm, humor, and relatable characters, Best Medicine is poised to capture the hearts of audiences when it debuts in the upcoming television season. Fans of the original Doc Martin series and newcomers alike will find something to enjoy in this new adaptation.
As the premiere date approaches, anticipation builds around how the quirky dynamics of a small-town doctor and his patients will unfold on screen. Will Dr. Martin Best find his place among the colorful characters of the fishing village? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Fox is set to deliver another hit comedy series that resonates with viewers.
